Aston Villa will only clinch Philippe Coutinho transfer from Barcelona on one condition

Philippe Coutinho will have to agree to a cut in wages to join Aston Villa permanently from Barcelona, it is understood.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard appears eager to exercise the option to sign on-loan Coutinho for €40m (£33.5m).

But The Daily Telegraph report the 29-year-old will have to agree to cut his £480,000-a-week wages to move to Villa Park.

When previously speaking about the possibility of securing Coutinho on a permanent basis, Gerrard said: "When Phil is happy and comfortable, we all know we are dealing with a world-class talent.

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"His level has been top since he came in and now that he is fit and match fit physically I only predict that he can shine from now until the end of the season, which obviously helps Aston Villa.

"He’s happy, he’s settled here. In terms of a long-term decision, we’re analysing that situation every single day and it’s something that we will come to at the end of the season.

"We need to keep enjoying Phil and keep him healthy, but it doesn't make sense to make any decisions now."